A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is an infection contracted through sexual activity. You may see STDs referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They are one in the same.

STDs can affect people of all ages regardless of race and sexual orientation, but are more common among adolescents and young adults. Their effects are emotional, physical, and sometimes fatal. A pregnant woman with an STD can pass the infection to her baby in utero or during birth, with potentially serious consequences.

Although many STDs are treatable, there are some that have no cure. If you suspect you may have an STD, get medical care right away. If you are diagnosed with an STD, you will need to notify your sexual partners so they can be treated as well.

If you are sexually active, protect yourself by learning about safe sex practices, STDs, and how to spot them. Arm yourself with knowledge and find out some facts on the most common STDs.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia
is one of the most common STDs. The culprit is a specific bacteria which affects both men and women. Bacteria can take up residence in the genitals, urinary tract, and rectum. In some cases, the infection can also spread to the eyes and throat.

Chlamydia does not always produce symptoms, so it can be difficult to know you have it without testing.

It is important to remember that symptoms may not occur for several weeks after exposure. Common symptoms include:

Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding from receptive anal sex in both men and women

Pain and swelling of epidydymis, which is the tube that carries sperm from the testis

In rare cases, chlamydial infection in a man's urinary tract can be a part of a list of conditions called
Reiter’s syndrome
(arthritis, uveitis, and urethritis)

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends yearly screening for:

All sexually active women under age 25 years

Women older than 25 years with new or multiple sexual partners

Men who have sex with men

Anyone who shares injection drug equipment

Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea, another common STD, is an infection caused by specific bacteria. Both men and women contract it. This is one STD that is more readily apparent in men than women. A woman may not know she has been infected until her partner is diagnosed. In some cases, men may not have any symptoms either.

Gonorrhea can infect the urinary tract, reproductive organs, rectum, and the throat. Common gonorrhea symptoms include:

Thick, pus-like discharge from the penis

Pain or swelling of the testicles

Women may experience discharge from the vagina

Pain or burning during urination in both men and women

Anal or rectal itching with pain or discharge while going to the bathroom

If oral sex was involved, there may be redness or soreness in the mouth or throat

Complications of untreated gonorrhea include:

Pelvic inflammatory disease in women

Infertility in both men and women

Pain and swelling of epidydymis, which is the tube that carries sperm from the testis

Increased risk of getting HIV

Gonorrhea can spread throughout the bloodstream and infect other parts of the body, causing potentially permanent damage.

People can carry the HIV virus and show no symptoms for 10 years or more. Even without causing visible symptoms, the virus is still transmissible and others can be unknowingly infected through unprotected sexual activity.

Although there is no known cure for an HIV infection, there are antiretroviral medicines given in combinations that have been effective in slowing the progress of the disease in many people.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a potentially serious STD. Syphilis comes and goes in stages. In the primary phase, symptoms may include painless ulcers on or in the genitals, rectum, tongue, or lips, and enlarged lymph nodes in the groin. The ulcers inside the body may go undetected. Without treatment, the ulcers disappear, but the infection does not.

In the secondary phase, 2 to 6 weeks later, a rash may appear over any area of the body, but especially on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Mouth ulcers, fever, headache, soreness and aching in bones and joints, loss of appetite, and general malaise may also develop.

When syphilis is left untreated, it can eventually attack the brain and other organs, resulting in paralysis, senility, insanity, blindness, and/or heart damage.

Syphilis is treated with antibiotics. Damage done by syphilis may be untreatable depending on when it was discovered.

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is an STD that is caused by a virus. It affects both men and women. This STD is transmitted through any type of sexual contact, including anal, oral, and genital. Genital herpes may not present symptoms in many cases, but when it does, here is what to look for:

Pain or itching in genital area

Pain or burning during urination

Small, red bumps appear on or near the genitals, anus, mouth, or thighs

The bumps progress to blisters and then to painful ulcer-like sores. The sores then crust over and heal without scarring. The initial or primary episode lasts about 3 weeks. Attacks are often recurrent, but often become less severe and less frequent over time.

Genital herpes is mostly contagious during a flare-up. However, it is possible to spread the virus at any time, even when there is not an active infection. Genital herpes is not curable, but can be managed with antiviral medication.

Genital Warts

Both men and women can get genital warts. They are caused by the
human papillomavirus
(HPV) and occur on the genital and/or anal areas. The warts are contagious.

Certain strains of HPV can also affect a woman's cervix and cause abnormal changes called dysplasia, which may progress to cervical cancer.

The CDC recommends vaccination for both males and females. An HPV vaccine is available for males and females. The vaccine protects against some strains of the HPV virus, reducing the risk of:

Cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, and anus;
precancerous lesions on the genitals; and genital warts in females

Cancer of the penis and anus; and genital warts in males

While the virus stays in the body, there is medicine to treat the warts. Procedures are also available to destroy the warts.

The best defense against STDs is sexual abstinence. If you choose to have sex, use latex condoms to reduce your risk of getting an STD. If you suspect you may have contracted an STD, see your doctor right away. Make certain that your partner receives treatment, as well. Do not let embarrassment keep you from seeking care.

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